Ever the Individualist, Waris Ahluwalia Hosted a Midnight Tea Party at the Top of the Standard

Last night, the House of Waris spilled the tea. For more than five years, the brand’s founder Waris Ahluwalia (who you may associate with his now-defunct line of jewelry…or maybe his Wes Anderson films…or maybe as a fixture of downtown Manhattan) has been fully immersed in all things herbal as he developed a line of organic, botanical blends of tea. Now launched and available online (and soon at his tea salon in Chelsea), Ahluwalia needed to celebrate.

And so last night he hosted a tea party—tiered stands, cups and saucers, and all—at hallowed Manhattan hot spot the Top of the Standard, inviting only his closest. Naturally, there was a queue around the block comprised of friends eager to congratulate Ahluwalia on his latest endeavor.

Once inside, everyone from Katie Holmes to Leigh Lezark took turns about the gold-flecked carpets, touring the venue’s nooks and crannies, which were dedicated (via neon signs) to three of the House of Waris blends: Night of Nights, Love Conquers All, and Sweet Clarity. There were adorable mini tea sandwiches to be enjoyed and teas to be sipped. Of course, there was also Champagne and such, and bartenders mixing up tea-infused cocktails. All this and a surprise performance by crooner Caroline Vreeland, whose honey voice felt appropriately soothing.

It was certainly the place to be last night. But for Ahluwalia, it was much more than a party. It was the culmination of years of work, which he undertook in large part because of his mother (who was by his side all evening). House of Waris Botanicals is about thoughtful living and the idea that one needn’t have to pop Champagne to celebrate. They could also sip a warm cup of rose, Shatavari, saffron, and damiana tea.